Along with 30 Accenture colleagues, I will take on Mount Kilimanjaro (in Tanzania), the tallest free-standing mountain rise in the world, rising 4,600 m (15,100 ft) from its base and includes the highest peak in Africa at 5,895 m (19,340 ft). Why?  Why not??!!! 

A "Kilimanjaro Challenge" has been organized by Accenture and Voluntary Service Overseas (VSO), and funds raised for this challenge will go directly to support VSO in Tanzania.  VSO Tanzania aims to reduce poverty by working with government and non state agencies to develop their capacity to improve access to, quality and relevance of education and HIV and AIDS services and to strengthen the ability of disadvantaged people to make a viable living.

My trek group will climb Kilimanjaro from June 26-July 5, 2008.

HIV and AIDS prevalence is currently estimated to be 7% of the population, approximately 1.1 million Tanzanians. Women and girls make up an increasing proportion of infected people, due largely to widespread violations of their rights. The Participatory Poverty Assessment concludes that HIV/AIDS is the single most severe impoverishing force in Tanzania today.

Tanzania is also one of the poorest countries in the world, with high infant mortality rates and very limited and inconsistent access to good health care.  VSO has been in Tanzania for just over 40 years, traditionally in education and health roles and widely distributed throughout the country. In that time, it has managed to build a good general reputation and to learn a great deal about the needs and demands of a development programme in Tanzania.

I'm grateful to have this chance to do my small part to help the people of Tanzania, to be of good health and strength to take on this challenge and climb this mountain, and to hopefully make a small imprint in a greater challenge to strengthen the response to this incredibly devastating disease. 

Please take the time to strongly consider sponsoring me for my climb and donating to VSO  Every donation helps me reach my goal and I truly appreciate your help.

If you feel that others may be interested in sponsoring me, please forward this link to them.

Many thanks,

Keith Worthington

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